A wing back chair’s curved silhouette requires careful fabric draping and stapling. Learning how to cover a wing back chair can save you money and give your furniture a fresh look. This guide walks you through the process step by step.
You don’t need to be a professional upholsterer. With the right tools and patience, you can achieve great results. Let’s get started.
How To Cover A Wing Back Chair
Covering a wing back chair involves removing the old fabric, preparing the frame, and attaching new material. The wings and curved back make this a bit tricky, but the method is straightforward. Follow these steps for a clean finish.
Tools And Materials You Will Need
Before you begin, gather everything. This saves time and prevents interruptions.
- Fabric (about 5-7 yards for a standard chair)
- Staple gun and 1/4-inch staples
- Screwdriver (flathead and Phillips)
- Pliers (for removing old staples)
- Scissors or fabric shears
- Measuring tape
- Seam ripper
- Spray adhesive (optional)
- Piping or trim (optional)
Step 1: Remove The Old Fabric
Start by flipping the chair upside down. Look for screws or staples holding the dust cover underneath. Remove the dust cover to expose the frame.
Use a screwdriver to detach any legs or trim pieces. Set these aside. Then, carefully pull away the old fabric. Use pliers to remove staples. A seam ripper helps cut threads without damaging the foam.
Work slowly. You want to keep the old fabric pieces intact as patterns for cutting new ones. Label each piece with masking tape—like “inside arm” or “back panel.” This makes reassembly easier.
Step 2: Prepare The Frame And Padding
Once the old fabric is off, inspect the foam and padding. If it’s worn or lumpy, replace it. You can buy new foam from craft stores or online. Cut it to match the old pieces.
Check the frame for loose joints. Tighten any screws or add wood glue where needed. A sturdy frame ensures your new cover lasts. Vacuum away dust and debris before moving on.
Step 3: Cut Your New Fabric
Lay your old fabric pieces flat on the new material. Use them as templates. Add an extra 2-3 inches around each piece for stapling and adjustments. This is called seam allowance.
Pay attention to fabric pattern direction. If your fabric has stripes or a print, make sure it aligns correctly on the chair. Cut each piece with sharp scissors for clean edges.
For the wings, cut two mirrored pieces. The curved shape needs extra fabric to wrap around smoothly. Don’t worry about perfection—you can trim later.
Step 4: Attach Fabric To The Back
Start with the back panel. Center the fabric over the chair’s back. Pull it tight and staple along the bottom edge first. Work your way up the sides, keeping the fabric smooth.
For the wings, begin at the top point. Drape the fabric over the wing and staple along the inner curve. Pull gently to avoid wrinkles. Staple every inch or so. Trim excess fabric as you go.
Use a staple gun with 1/4-inch staples. These hold well without damaging the frame. If the fabric bunches, make small relief cuts with scissors. This helps it lay flat around curves.
Step 5: Cover The Arms And Front
Move to the arms. Wrap fabric over the top of each arm, pulling it tight. Staple underneath the arm and along the front edge. For rounded arm fronts, pleat the fabric slightly to follow the shape.
Next, cover the front panel. This is the area between the arms and the seat. Staple along the top and bottom edges. Keep the fabric taut but not stretched. Smooth out any bubbles with your hand.
For the seat, lay fabric over the cushion. If the cushion is removable, wrap it separately. Staple along the bottom edge, pulling fabric tight. Tuck corners neatly like wrapping a gift.
Step 6: Finish With Trim And Details
Once all fabric is attached, add piping or trim along seams. This hides staple lines and gives a professional look. Use spray adhesive or fabric glue to secure trim.
Reattach any legs or decorative pieces you removed earlier. Screw them back into place. Flip the chair upright and inspect your work. Smooth out any small wrinkles with your fingers.
If you see loose staples, hammer them down gently. Trim any visible fabric threads. Your chair is now covered and ready to use.
Tips For A Smooth Finish
Working with wing back chairs takes patience. Here are some extra pointers.
- Always pull fabric in the same direction to avoid distortion.
- Use a staple remover tool for quick staple removal.
- Work in a well-lit area to see details clearly.
- Test fabric tension on a scrap piece first.
If your fabric is thick, like velvet, use heavier staples. Thin fabrics need lighter staples to prevent tearing. Practice on a small area if you’re unsure.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Beginners often make these errors. Watch out for them.
- Pulling fabric too tight, which causes ripples.
- Not leaving enough seam allowance for adjustments.
- Skipping the labeling step, leading to confusion.
- Using dull scissors that fray fabric edges.
Take your time. Rushing leads to mistakes. If a section looks wrong, remove staples and try again. Fabric is forgiving if you work carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cover a wing back chair without removing the old fabric?
It’s possible but not recommended. The old fabric can create lumps and make stapling difficult. Removing it gives a smoother result.
What type of fabric is best for a wing back chair?
Medium-weight fabrics like cotton, linen, or upholstery-grade polyester work well. Avoid stretchy materials that sag over time.
How long does it take to cover a wing back chair?
Expect 4-6 hours for a first attempt. Experienced users can finish in 2-3 hours. Break the work into sessions if needed.
Do I need special staples for upholstery?
Yes. Use 1/4-inch or 5/16-inch staples designed for staple guns. Longer staples may poke through the frame.
Can I use a slipcover instead of stapling fabric?
Slipcovers are easier but less durable. Stapled fabric lasts longer and fits better. Choose based on your skill level and budget.
Covering a wing back chair is a rewarding project. With these steps, you can give your chair a second life. Start with a simple fabric and build your skills. Your chair will look great and feel like new.
